In diamond, the number of free electrons are:

Options

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3

Explanation

To determine the number of free electrons in diamond, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Diamond
Diamond is an allotrope of carbon where each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms. This arrangement forms a three-dimensional tetrahedral structure.

**Hint:** Remember that the bonding in diamond involves covalent bonds between carbon atoms.

### Step 2: Identify the Type of Hybridization
In diamond, the carbon atoms undergo sp³ hybridization. This means that one s orbital and three p orbitals mix to form four equivalent sp³ hybrid orbitals.

**Hint:** Hybridization can help explain the bonding and structure of the material.

### Step 3: Analyze the Bonding
Each carbon atom in diamond forms four strong covalent bonds with four neighboring carbon atoms. This bonding creates a very stable and rigid structure.

**Hint:** Consider how covalent bonds affect the presence of free electrons.

### Step 4: Determine the Presence of Free Electrons
In diamond, all the valence electrons of carbon are involved in bonding. Since there are no electrons left free to move, diamond does not have any free electrons.

**Hint:** Think about how free electrons are defined in terms of their ability to move and conduct electricity.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Since all the electrons in diamond are involved in covalent bonding and there are no free electrons available for conduction, the number of free electrons in diamond is zero.

**Final Answer:** The number of free electrons in diamond is **0**.